Programming for Adults
Educational Programming ~ Social Activities
Tentative Educational Programming
Often described as a fun, festive family reunion, NOAH’s biennial conference is the most comprehensive albinism education program anywhere and affords plenty of time to socialize and enjoy fellowship. Authorities in a variety of fields present accurate information on living with albinism, raising a child with albinism and the latest albinism research.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Focus of Educational Sessions:
Genetics of Albinism | Latest Albinism Research | Parenting a Child with Albinism | Advocating for your Student | Parenting without Pigment | Resources for Adults with Albinism | Recreation & Leisure | Technology | Support Forums | Workplace Topics | Low Vision Driving
New & Enhanced Programming Highlights for 2024:
Adults with Albinism
NOAHCon offers adults with albinism at all life stages the opportunity to connect with those who can relate. Through informative sessions and social activities, adults have the opportunity to see old friends, network, and make new friends. Highlights of this year’s program include support forums, panel discussions, and sessions on a wide range of topics ranging from careers to recreation & leisure activities, and more!
Parents and Families of Children with Albinism
NOAH understands the need for parents to expand their knowledge and build their community of support by bridging medical and educational information with social engagement. This year’s highlights include focused support forums, panel discussions, and sessions covering accessible media, bioptic driving, expanded core curriculum, sports & physical activity, and more!
International Connection
Raise awareness of, and connect with, international albinism communities through informative sessions and discussions. NOAHCon welcomes attendees from around the world to share this time of education and fellowship.
“Jasmine is a Star” Panel Discussion with Writer/Director Jo Rochelle and stars Iyana Le’Shea and Jordan White
NOAH is pleased to welcome actors with albinism, Iyana Le’Shea and Jordan White, as they share their journey to the spotlight and give us their “behind the scenes” view of the film “Jasmine is a Star.” Writer and Director Jo Rochelle joins us to share her insights and inspiration for the film.
Learn more about Jasmine is a Star at NOAHCon!
Try-It Technology Fair
This interactive session will bring all of the tech gurus to one place. Participants will have the opportunity to “talk to the experts” about the latest apps, and technology tools to help enhance life with low vision. This session will be offered later in the day to allow our youth participants to join their parents to check things out for themselves. Bring your devices, and come “try it!”
Onsite Research Opportunities
NOAH is pleased to share that we plan to offer various research opportunities onsite. We aim to provide genetic testing and ocular imaging at no-cost to participants. Professionals working in the field of albinism research will be available for discussion. NOAH will provide an opportunity for people with albinism to sign up to be part of an international registry that aims to provide a better understanding of the condition, including all types of albinism, HPS and CHS.
Writing from Memory: A Creative Writing Workshop
Author Emily Urquhart will lead participants through a two-part writing workshop designed for everyone. No experience required! Through guided prompts and questions, you will create your own piece of writing from memory using all your senses, a method based on the teachings of Lynda Barry.
Social Activities
If you’d like to submit an additional meet-up or social activity for consideration, please send us a message at info@albinism.org!
Social Activities with an asterisk (*) indicate an additional cost, or an activity that is not included in the conference registration fee. All other activities are included in the registration fee for conference attendees!
Please note: some activities below have minimum participation requirements. NOAH reserves the right to cancel outings or activities based on low-participation as needed.
THURSDAY (Pre-Conference)
Packing House Food Market*
11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
*Cost: $15 (for bus transportation)
The Packing House is one of the last remaining citrus packing warehouses in Orange County and has been historically preserved and converted into a trendy food hall and hub for local artisans. A trip to the Packing House is a perfect way for you to taste and explore some of Orange County’s local establishments in a fun, modern space, including several Instagram-famous offerings such as Popbar and Mini Monster Boba Teas. There is also a gift shop and boutique carts selling local artists goods.
There will be a looping bus with departures beginning at 11:00 AM, returning between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
Downtown Disney & Optional Scavenger Hunt
approximately 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
(Optional Hotel Shuttle Transportation – Fees apply)
Meet us at Downtown Disney, a bustling entertainment district next to Disneyland Resort offering a variety of shops, restaurants. and entertainment options. Sign up for a fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt for a little friendly competition. Search for clues and solve puzzles as you may your way through Downtown Disney.
Join us for an afternoon of Disney magic with NOAH friends.
All ages welcome!
Nixon Presidential Library Tour*
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Cost: $55
Enjoy a private guided tour of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library including its beautiful gardens and grounds. The library and museum feature 70 family-friendly exhibits with more than 300 original artifacts. Step into a replica of President Nixon’s Oval Office, take a photo behind his desk, and explore Army One—President Nixon’s actual Presidential helicopter. You will also explore President Nixon’s childhood home (later relocated to the library’s grounds). You will also have a chance to check out the library’s special summer exhibits.
Wine Tasting (Adults with Albinism & Guest 21+)*
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Cost: $39
Check out the historic Anaheim Packing house for a quick bite and walk across the street to Pali Wine Company for a private wine tasting to learn about California winemaking. You will participate in a one-hour private wine tasting while mingling with NOAH friends, old and new! Select charcuterie and snack menu items available for additional purchase on site.
With Wine Tasting purchase, ride the Packing House Food Market looping bus – depart Hyatt no later than 1:00 PM.
Optional Activities (During Conference)
FRIDAY
Huntington Beach Trip at Sunset*
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Bus departing Hyatt at 5:00 p.m.
*Cost: $16.00
No vacation to Southern California is complete without a trip to the beach, and there’s no better time to visit than at sunset! Huntington Beach, located about 40 minutes from the conference hotel, has fun for everyone including a boardwalk, numerous restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and plenty of outdoor activities like pickleball courts and disc golf. There are also several park areas to explore, the beautiful Secret Garden, as well as soft sand and clear Pacific waters. Grab a bite to eat and take a sunset walk on the beach.
Private Screening of Jasmine is a Star at Frida Cinema (PG rating)*
6:00 – 9:00 PM
*Cost: $25 (includes film screening, panel discussion with director and actors following the film,1 small popcorn and fountain drink, and Red Carpet Photo Op.)
Join us for an exclusive, private screening of the feature film Jasmine is a Star! Film synopsis: A determined sixteen-year-old with albinism makes it her mission to become a professional model in her hometown of Minneapolis, while attempting to go unnoticed in every other aspect of her teenage life (Rated PG). Bring your Hollywood glam, walk the red carpet and meet the director and star of the film!
Buses begin departure at 5:15 PM.
Learn more about Jasmine is a Star at NOAHCon!
Yoga (Adults with Albinism)
8:00 AM
Canvas Paint (Adults with Albinism)*
TBD
*Cost: $12 (includes, canvas, brushes and paint set)
Register if interested – once the schedule is confirmed, a link to purchase the kit will be provided to interested participants. Registration will be confirmed upon purchase of kit.
Join us for a step by step canvas paint workshop. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or beginner looking to explore your artistic side, this is a great way to socialize with other PWA’s and take home a unique souvenir to remember NOAHCon2024! Pre -purchase of paint kit required. Pick up at registration before the session.
NOAH Choir Rehearsal (PWAs 12 and up)
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Are you a PWA 12 or older who loves to sing? Do you sing in a choir or band? Maybe you like to rock out in the shower. Or maybe you just love music and would enjoy raising your voice in song with other PWAs. What better way to have fun and feel connected to others than through song? The first PWA NOAH Choir made its debut at NOAHCon2018. We are excited to bring this program back “in person” to perform the popular Bruno Mars song, “Count on Me.” All levels of experience welcome and all voice parts needed! Choir rehearsals will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Choir participants will receive an email with further details and a link to download practice materials in early May.
NOAH Game Night (Adults 18+)
10:00 – 11:00 PM
An improv-style game night where YOU are the entertainment! Try your luck at “Password,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Family Feud,” and more, or sit back and watch your friends for some laughs. This adults only (18+) comedy game night will be be hosted by the hilarious, Dennis Hurley, a PWA actor-comedian who has appeared on NBC’s Superstore, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Justin Timberlake’s 2016 Can’t Stop The Feeling music video, and the internationally acclaimed The Albino Code, a parody of The DaVinci Code that he wrote and starred in. www.dennis-hurley.com
LEGO BUILD (Adults with Albinism)*
TBD
*Cost: $12
Register if interested – once the schedule is confirmed, a link to purchase the kit will be provided to interested participants. Registration will be confirmed upon purchase of kit.
If you’re looking for a new hobby, or just love Lego, this is the session for you! Come socialize with your “PWA Pals,” learn how to navigate the LegoBuilder app, explore the 3D instructions, and create something you can be proud of!
SATURDAY
PWA Choir Rehearsal
4:00 – 5:00 PM
PWAs who love to sing, join director Marleena Barber for NOAH’s fabulous PWA Choir, performing at the Sunday closing breakfast! Singers ages 12+ are invited to join.
Saturday Night Party & Dessert Reception with DJ and Silent Auction
7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Join us for a NOAH family party featuring delicious desserts, a DJ, and silent auction. There will be an after-party for young adults immediately following!
Saturday Karaoke (Adults 18+)
10:00 PM (following dessert reception)
SUNDAY
PWA Choir Rehearsal
8:15 – 8:45 AM
PWAs who love to sing, join director Marleena Barber for NOAH’s fabulous PWA Choir, performing at the Sunday closing breakfast! Singers ages 12+ are invited to join.
Closing Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
ADDITIONAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
The activities below are tentatively being planned for adult conference attendees. Stay tuned for more details regarding scheduling, etc.!
- Dads’ Meet Up at OC Brewhouse (Friday 9PM)
- Young Adult Meet-Ups (TBA)
- Fun on the Recreational Deck (various times)
- Community Art Project
- Disneybounding
Meet the Adult Programming Coordinators!
Marleena Barber is the director of an arts and disability nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the Orange County Department of Education in Southern California. She coordinates professional development for arts and special education teachers, in school arts programs for students with disabilities, and a countywide festival celebrating artists with disabilities. She is also a vocalist and has had the privilege of performing her one woman cabaret show about her life growing up with albinism at the 2016 and 2018 NOAH conferences. She is returning to the NOAH conference planning committee to assist with all things social and entertainment! In addition, she is the director of the NOAH Choir, which made its debut at NOAHCon 2018, and is looking forward to once again bringing the albinism community together through song this summer!!
Kathi Garza is a certified teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and works as an Early Childhood Educational Consultant in the Outreach Department at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). Before joining the Outreach team in 2019, Kathi taught students in Comprehensive and Short-Term Programs. In addition to her work with students, families, and professionals across the state, Kathi is passionate about her volunteer work for NOAH.
Kathi’s involvement with NOAH includes writing articles for Albinism InSight and contributing ideas to include in the EdU supplement. She has hosted and attended several fundraising events, both in person and online. Some of the committees Kathi has served on include MarComm and the Adults with Albinism Weekend Planning Committee. Kathi has supported NOAH Connections for preschoolers and her personal favorite, the Parents without Pigment group. This past summer, she and her son attended NOAH Family Camp for the first time to facilitate sessions for parents and campers. She has been an avid supporter of programming at NOAHCon. Previously involved in the Kids Conference, this will be Kathi’s third year working on Adult Education programs at NOAHCon.